Key takeaways
Rituxan (rituximab) and Leukeran (chlorambucil) are both used to treat certain types of blood cancers, but they work in different ways and are administered differently. Rituxan is a monoclonal antibody given as an intravenous infusion, targeting specific immune cells called B cells to treat conditions like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, Leukeran is a chemotherapy oral medication that works as an alkylating agent, damaging the genetic material of cancer cells to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphomas. Rituxan is often used in combination with other medications and requires premedications to prevent infusion-related reactions, while Leukeran can be taken alone or with other anticancer medications and is more convenient as a daily pill. Rituxan can cause serious infusion-related reactions and a higher risk of infections lasting up to a year, whereas Leukeran can lead to low blood cell counts, increasing the risk of serious infections and bleeding. Additionally, Rituxan is not typically associated with hair loss, while Leukeran can cause infertility and other cancers.
